Context:
Bangladesh has signed off on the proposed Padma Barrage to control the Padma River and reduce seasonal water scarcity. The project is significant for India because it lies close to the Farakka Barrage and may reshape regional river-water sharing politics.

Explanation:
- The Padma is the main distributary of the Ganga in Bangladesh, while the Bhagirathi-Hooghly flows through West Bengal.
- India built the Farakka Barrage to divert Ganga water into the Hooghly, mainly to maintain navigation and flush silt near Kolkata Port.
- Bangladesh has long argued that Farakka reduced dry-season flow in the Padma, affecting irrigation, fisheries, navigation and ecology.
- The Ganga Water Treaty, 1996 regulates water sharing between India and Bangladesh, especially during lean season flows.
- The treaty is due for renewal, making the Padma Barrage strategically important.
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